However, local reports quoted police sources claiming disposal experts were called to defuse a "makeshift device".

Supporters of both sides were among 2,000 people evacuated from the Carrefour Lingostiere centre, which is less than two miles away from the Nice Stadium, in the southern French city.

Fans are gathered ahead of England's game against Iceland

"Two gas cylinders and a detonator were found close to the entrance of the centre," said a local police source earlier. "These kind of makeshift devices have been used in terrorist attacks in the past.

"Police organised an evacuation of the centre, before bomb disposal experts took action to make the area safe."

A cashier working at the centre raised the alarm shortly before 1pm, alerting security guards who called the police.

Euro 2016 is on the highest security alert following threats by Islamic State to target the event. They have pledged to bring death and destruction to those taking part, leading to police and soldiers flooding all venues.

There was a controlled explosion at Nice Airport just two days ago, following the discovery of a suspicious package.

Since then, thousands of fans from England and Iceland have arrived in the seaside city, for the kick off at 9pm local time (8pm BST).

The Stade de France in Paris was targeted by Isil last November, during a night of terror which saw 130 people killed.

Suicide bombers wielding explosive belts and Kalashnikovs created most of the carnage, and there were bomb scares earlier in the day.